Jan 9 – 16, 2026
New year, fresh energy. School's back (Fridays now end by 11:30am starting today), routines are settling in, and the city's trading holiday sparkle for proper action. Here's what's worth your time this week.
THE BIG LAUNCH
The Wonderers' Kids Fest kicks off at Global Village tonight (Jan 9) with a 3,000-drone show at 7:20pm — officially the biggest kids' drone show ever attempted in the region. Then it runs through Feb 15 with daily interactive games, educational zones, and activities for ages 3-12. Free with your Global Village ticket (AED 25). 4-10pm daily.
LAST CALL: DSF WRAPS
Dubai Shopping Festival closes Jan 11. Final weekend highlights:
Free concerts at Festival Bay – Arabic pop duo Dalia & Mahmoud Al Turky perform Jan 10
Gaming tournaments – AED 30k in prizes up for grabs at True Gamers competitions
Daily kids' shows at Festival Bay – Free character performances, dancers, musicians
DSF Drone Show – Bluewaters & The Beach JBR nightly at 8pm & 10pm through Jan 11. Pyro-drone fireworks make this DSF's largest aerial show ever. Free.
e& Market Outside The Box at Dubai Design District through Jan 11 – 80+ F&B outlets, retail pop-ups, live music, kids' workshops, The Glow Bloc beauty showcase. Day-to-night festival vibe. Free entry.
FOR THE CAR-OBSESSED
Middle East Car & Bike Week (Jan 10-11, Dubai Studio City) – Supercars, custom builds, stunt zones. Kids can get up close to the machines. AED 75 one-day pass.
Mirdif Motor Show (Jan 10) – 1,000+ vehicles on display. Free entry, live DJs, RC models. More relaxed vibe than the studio event.
STILL RUNNING
FIX Dessert Chocolatier pop-up at Museum of the Future through Jan 11 – "The Original Dubai Chocolate" makers with new flavors, games, installations. 9am-9pm.
Dubai Safari Park Festive Village through Jan 11 – Cookie decorating, face painting, magicians, live shows. 3-10pm daily. Included with park entry.
Downtown Dubai celebrations through Jan 7 – Daily parades with floats, performers, puppets. Aerial displays, light shows. Free to watch.
That's it. Short week, big energy. Get after it.
Parves
